THE PRACTICE STUDIO
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PRACTICE / Angular momentum
A torque graph can reverse a rotor
A rotor with constant inertia 2 kg·m² starts with angular velocity −2 rad/s. Its net torque rises linearly from zero at t=0 to +6 N·m at t=2 s, then falls linearly to zero at t=4 s.
| t / s | τ / N·m |
|---|---|
| 0 | 0 |
| 2 | 6 |
| 4 | 0 |
What is its angular velocity at t=4 s?
Organize the givens & assumptions
- Inertia: 2 kg·m²
- Initial angular velocity: −2 rad/s
- Net torque triangle: base 4 s, height 6 N·m
Fixed rotation axis and constant inertia; the plotted torque is the complete external torque about that axis.
- A
- B
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- D
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